Members of the Stagecoach Theatre group have starred in her opera and ballet productions for the last 15 years — and are set to appear in a spectacular finale performance of Carmen at the SECC

Ellen has always liked to inject local talent into her productions and has encouraged young students to come along, tread the boards and experience the wonderful feeling of performing alongside a professional company.

But after 15 years of working with stage school youngsters and helping to launch hundreds on stage careers, Ellen is set to pursue a different course.

Stagecoach members have been hard at work rehearsing for Ellen's three closing performances in Glasgow — Carmen on Sunday, May 10, followed by Turandot and Aida at the King's Theatre from Thursday, June 11 until Saturday, June 13.

The children will be playing a mixture of roles including young mischievous street urchins in Carmen, mastered ballet dancers in Aida and singing in Italian in Turandot — giving them a wonderful opportunity to add a professional opera production to their CV's.